Calling would-be foster carers: York children need YOU.

SKY'S THE LIMIT: Jennifer Parker, a teacher at Fishergate School, in York, with pupils, from left, Danny Pearson, Nile McKelvey, Katie Hatfield, Thomas Richardson, Alex Wilson, and Francesca Mills, who helped to launch the campaign to find foster parents for children less fortunate than themselves today. The campaign was also being launched at the nearby Holly Croft children's centre.

That was the message which went out today from council bosses desperate to recruit more foster parents for needy youngsters in York.

More than 120 children in the York area are in council care. They come from broken homes, or from families struggling to cope with sudden unemployment, bereavement or illness.

Some have parents who, for whatever reason, simply can't cope with the parenting role - others have been rescued from physical or sexual abuse.

All, though, have one thing in common: a desperate need for a stable, loving home.

Howard Lovelady, family placement manager with City of York Council, said the vast majority of the youngsters were normal children who had had to leave their parents through no fault of their own.

He said: "These children are going through the most traumatic time that any child can go through - being separated from their parents.

"All we want is for them to have the same chance that other children have. The aim is for them to lead as normal a life as possible until they can rejoin their own families."

Of the 120 children in care in York, 80 already live with foster families. They range in age from tiny babies to teenagers aged 16 or 17, and they stay with their surrogate family for anything from a single night to several years.

The campaign aims to recruit new foster families to add to the council's bank of existing foster carers, so more children can be fostered instead of being put into children's homes.

Mr Lovelady said the standard of care provided in council children's homes was first rate - but they could not replace the warmth and love of a real family.

Foster carer Ann Foulsham, who has three foster children as well as three children of her own, agreed. She said: "Children need to learn from families. Family values start with us."

The campaign is also aimed at breaking down stereotypes about fostering. The council is keen for a range of people to apply - younger adults without children of their own, single people, council tenants, unemployed people and families from ethnic minority backgrounds.

They also want to hear from families who would be willing to look after brothers and sisters, and older children aged between eight and 13.

Mr Lovelady added: "We want to try to increase the choice of placement for children who are looked after by social services.

"We need as many potential foster families as possible. It's not who you are, it's what you can offer the children that's important."

Chairman of the council's social services committee, Coun Bob Fletcher, said: "The Government has sent a clear message to all councillors that we should see ourselves as corporate parents with clear responsibilities to the children and young people we look after.

"Fostering is at the heart of the service that we provide for these young people. It is a challenging but rewarding task and offers an opportunity for ordinary members of the community to use their skills and experience in providing the secure home which all our young people deserve."

Families interested in fostering should contact York 555333. Council bosses will also be sending a mobile information unit around town.

Those interested in fostering will be invited, without obligation, to attend an in-depth preparation course. There will then be an assessment and training period. Foster carers are paid a weekly allowance to cover the cost of looking after a child, and also a weekly allowance for their own time and skills.

See Fostering a sense of belonging

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